Method and apparatus for reducing call setup delay by improved SIB7 and SIB14 scheduling

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for reducing call setup time of a wireless communication device including determining empty slots on a Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled therein and scheduling SIB7 or SIB 14 blocks in the empty slots to reduce call setup time. In one aspect, the uplink interference level contained in the SIB7 or SIB14 block is piggy-backed on SIB blocks other than SIB7 or SIB14 blocks.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

The present Application for Patent claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/887,589 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING MOBILE TERMINATED CALL SETUP DELAY BY IMPROVED SIB7 SCHEDULING” filed Jan. 31, 2007, and assigned to the assignee hereof and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR PATENT

The present Application for Patent is related to the following co-pending U.S. Patent Applications:

“Method and Apparatus For Reducing Call Setup Delay by Including Interference Information In Paging Message” Amer Catovic, Alvin Siu-Chung Ng, Mohit Narang and Chan Chun Chung Patrick having application Ser. No. 12/021,997, filed on Jan. 29, 2008, assigned to the assignee hereof and expressly incorporated by reference herein; and “Method and Apparatus For Reducing Call Setup Delay by Adjusting SIB7 and SIB14 Scheduling Frequency” by Chan Chun Chung Patrick, Amer Catovic, Mohit Narang and Alvin Siu-Chung Ng having application Ser. No. 12/021,975, filed on Jan. 29, 2008, assigned to the assignee hereof and expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to apparatus and methods for reducing call setup time. More particularly, the disclosure relates to reducing call setup time by improved SIB7 scheduling.

BACKGROUND

Mobile terminated (MT) call setup time is a key performance indicator in wireless networks. It has a direct effect on the user's experience regardless of any service offered by the network. Mobile terminated call setup time has a substantial impact on the overall revenue generated by the network as well as the churn rate. In cellular wireless networks, when the user equipment (UE) is idle, it wakes up at regular time intervals in order to check paging and read system information broadcast by the network. Current formats of wireless communication systems include the third generation (3G) systems which provide greater capacity and more broadband wireless capabilities than the previous 2G systems. The 3G systems include a Common Control Channel that broadcast system information from the wireless network to the UEs. One emerging 3G system is Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems (UMTS). In UMTS, there are several Common Control Channels. For example, there are different information blocks on the Primary Common Control Physical Channel (P-CCPCH) in UMTS, categorized into Master Information Blocks (MJBs) and System Information Blocks (SIBs).

For example, each SIB carries a particular type of network information, such as but not limited to, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) info, DRX cycle coefficient (SIB1), thresholds for cell reselection (SIB3), current uplink interference level (SIB7), paging frequency, timers, etc. The broadcast scheduling of these system information blocks is contained in the master information block (MIB) which is broadcasted in regular, pre-determined time intervals. MIB contains the exact repetition count, number of segments and system frame number for each of the SIBs broadcasted. One of the SIBs is SIB7 which carries the up-to-date uplink interference level perceived by the base station receiver. Each UE needs to read SIB7 of the camping cell before establishing a connection with the network. The SIB7 information contains the uplink interference level which is used in the open loop power control calculation to determine the appropriate transmit power level for random access. Additionally, the UE decodes its paging block in order to determine if the UE is being paged by the network. In some instances, reading the SIB7 and being paged by the network can occur simultaneously or near simultaneously.

The paging block is broadcasts through the Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (S-CCPCH). Typically, the decoding of the paging block (on S-CCPCH) has higher priority over the decoding of SIBs (on P-CCPCH). When the UE is being paged, it cannot immediately initiate a connection with the network to respond to the page until the UE has received the next occurrence of broadcasted SIB7. As a result, there is a necessary waiting time between the receipt of the page and connection request initiation with the network. The waiting time can vary among different UEs, some waiting time being longer than desirable to ensure good user experience.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reducing mobile terminated (MT) call setup time. By improving the SIB7 or SIB14 scheduling as disclosed herein, advantageous results may include reducing MT call setup time, reducing waiting time for the next occurrence of SIB7 or SIB14, increase call success rate performance, and hence, ensuring better user experience. Additionally, bandwidth efficiency is increased since previously unused bandwidth on the P-CCPCH channel is being used.

According to one aspect, a method for reducing call setup time of a wireless communication device comprises determining at least one empty slot on a first Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time.

According to another aspect, a method for reducing call setup time of a wireless communication device comprises paging the wireless communication device on a first Common Control Channel, determining at least one empty slot on a second Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled following the paging, scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time, decoding one of the at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block to obtain an uplink interference level, and using the uplink interference level in an open loop power control calculation to determine an appropriate transmit power level for the wireless communication device.

According to another aspect, a method for reducing call setup time of a wireless communication device comprises paging the wireless communication device on a first Common Control Channel, and piggy-backing an uplink interference level onto a SIB block to increase the frequency of sending the uplink interference level to the wireless communication device. In one other aspect, the method further comprises determining at least one empty slot on a second Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block containing the uplink interference level in the at least one empty slot to send to the wireless communication device.

According to another aspect, an apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory containing program code executable by the processor for performing the following: determining at least one empty slot on a first Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time.

According to another aspect, an apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory containing program code executable by the processor for performing the following: paging a device on a first Common Control Channel, and piggy-backing an uplink interference level onto a SIB block to increase the frequency of sending the uplink interference level to the device. In one other aspect, the memory further comprises program code for determining at least one empty slot on a second Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and for scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block containing the uplink interference level in the at least one empty slot to send to the device.

According to another aspect, an apparatus for reducing call setup time comprises means for determining at least one empty slot on a first Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and means for scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time.

According to another aspect, an apparatus for reducing call setup time comprises means for paging a device on a first Common Control Channel, and means for piggy-backing an uplink interference level onto a SIB block to increase the frequency of sending the uplink interference level to the device. In one other aspect, the apparatus further comprises means for determining at least one empty slot on a second Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and means for scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block containing the uplink interference level in the at least one empty slot to send to the device.

According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium including program code stored thereon, comprises program code for causing a computer to determine at least one empty slot on a first Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and program code for causing the computer to schedule at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time.

According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium including program code stored thereon, comprises program code for causing a computer to page a device on a first Common Control Channel, and program code for causing the computer to piggy-back an uplink interference level onto a SIB block to increase the frequency of sending the uplink interference level to the device. In one other aspect, the computer-readable medium further comprises program code for causing the computer to determine at least one empty slot on a second Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled, and program code for causing the computer to schedule at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block containing the uplink interference level in the at least one empty slot to send to the device.

According to another aspect, a computer-readable medium including program code stored thereon, comprises program code for paging a device on a first Common Control Channel, program code for determining at least one empty slot on a second Common Control Channel where no SIB blocks or MIB blocks are scheduled following the paging, program code for scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time, program code for decoding one of the at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block to obtain an uplink interference level, and program code for using the uplink interference level in an open loop power control calculation to determine an appropriate transmit power level for the device.

It is understood that other aspects will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described various aspects by way of illustration. The drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless network.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate the timeline overlap of paging blocks and SIB broadcast blocks.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate an exemplary P-CCPCH and S-CCPCH timeline with improved SIB7 scheduling.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary intercommunication between the wireless network and the wireless communication device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation for reducing call setup time.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a set of exemplary steps executed by the implementation shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first embodiment of a device suitable for reducing call setup time.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a device suitable for reducing call setup time.

FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment of a device suitable for reducing call setup time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various aspects of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only aspects in which the present disclosure may be practiced. Each aspect described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration of the present disclosure, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure. Acronyms and other descriptive terminology may be used merely for convenience and clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with one or more aspects, occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects.

Scheduling and the repetition time of SIB7 broadcasts are constant and set by the network. Paging occasions are also determined based on the International Subscriber Mobile Identity (IMSI) of the UE. As a result of these standards, the waiting time between the receipt of a page and connection request initiation with the network for the UE will depend on the paging groups to which the UE belongs. For example, if the UE belongs to the paging group that is adjacent to the next SIB7 scheduling slot, the UE will experience the smallest waiting time. In contrast, if the UE belongs to the paging group that overlaps between the paging blocks and SIB7, the decoding of the paging has higher priority (by convention), and the UE will miss the decoding of the SIBs. In such a case, the UE will experience the largest waiting time and experience consistently the largest MT call setup times.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless network 100. One skilled in the art would understand that the exemplary wireless network 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be implemented in an FDMA environment, an OFDMA environment, a CDMA environment, a WCDMA environment, a TDMA environment, a SDMA environment or any other suitable wireless environment.

The wireless network 100 includes an access point 200 (a.k.a. base station) and a wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. user equipment or UE). In the downlink leg, the access point 200 (a.k.a. base station) includes a transmit (TX) data processor A 210 that receives, formats, codes, interleaves and modulates (or symbol maps) traffic data and provides modulation symbols (a.k.a. data symbols). The TX data processor A 210 is in communication with a symbol modulator A 220. The symbol modulator A 220 receives and processes the data symbols and downlink pilot symbols and provides a stream of symbols. In one aspect, symbol modulator A 220 is in communication with processor A 280 which provides configuration information. Symbol modulator A 220 is in communication with a transmitter unit (TMTR) A 230. The symbol modulator A 220 multiplexes the data symbols and downlink pilot symbols and provides them to the transmitter unit A 230.

Each symbol to be transmitted may be a data symbol, a downlink pilot symbol or a signal value of zero. The downlink pilot symbols may be sent continuously in each symbol period. In one aspect, the downlink pilot symbols are frequency division multiplexed (FDM). In another aspect, the downlink pilot symbols are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM). In yet another aspect, the downlink pilot symbols are code division multiplexed (CDM). In one aspect, the transmitter unit A 230 receives and converts the stream of symbols into one or more analog signals and further conditions, for example, amplifies, filters and/or frequency upconverts the analog signals, to generate an analog downlink signal suitable for wireless transmission. The analog downlink signal is then transmitted through antenna 240.

In the downlink leg, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) includes antenna 310 for receiving the analog downlink signal and inputting the analog downlink signal to a receiver unit (RCVR) B 320. In one aspect, the receiver unit B 320 conditions, for example, filters, amplifies and frequency downconverts the analog downlink signal to a “conditioned” signal. The “conditioned” signal is then sampled. The receiver unit B 320 is in communication with a symbol demodulator B 330. The symbol demodulator B 330 demodulates the “conditioned” and “sampled” signal (a.k.a. data symbols) outputted from the receiver unit B 320. The symbol demodulator B 330 is in communication with a processor B 340. Processor B 340 receives downlink pilot symbols from symbol demodulator B 330 and performs channel estimation on the downlink pilot symbols. In one aspect, the channel estimation is the process of characterizing the current propagation environment. The symbol demodulator B 330 receives a frequency response estimate for the downlink leg from processor B 340. The symbol demodulator B 330 performs data demodulation on the data symbols to obtain data symbol estimates. The data symbol estimates are estimates of the data symbols that were transmitted. The symbol demodulator B 330 is also in communication with a RX data processor B 350. The RX data processor B 350 receives the data symbol estimates from the symbol demodulator B 330 and, for example, demodulates (i.e., symbol demaps), interleaves and/or decodes the data symbol estimates to recover the traffic data. In one aspect, the processing by the symbol demodulator B 330 and the RX data processor B 350 is complementary to the processing by the symbol modulator A 220 and TX data processor A 210, respectively.

In the uplink leg, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) includes a TX data processor B 360. The TX data processor B 360 receives and processes traffic data to output data symbols. The TX data processor B 360 is in communication with a symbol modulator D 370. The symbol modulator D 370 receives and multiplexes the data symbols with uplink pilot symbols, performs modulation and provides a stream of symbols. In one aspect, symbol modulator D 370 is in communication with processor B 340 which provides configuration information. The symbol modulator D 370 is in communication with a transmitter unit B 380.

Each symbol to be transmitted may be a data symbol, an uplink pilot symbol or a signal value of zero. The uplink pilot symbols may be sent continuously in each symbol period. In one aspect, the uplink pilot symbols are frequency division multiplexed (FDM). In another aspect, the uplink pilot symbols are orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM). In yet another aspect, the uplink pilot symbols are code division multiplexed (CDM). In one aspect, the transmitter unit B 380 receives and converts the stream of symbols into one or more analog signals and further conditions, for example, amplifies, filters and/or frequency upconverts the analog signals, to generate an analog uplink signal suitable for wireless transmission. The analog uplink signal is then transmitted through antenna 310.

The analog uplink signal from wireless communication device (UE) 300 is received by antenna 240 and processed by a receiver unit A 250 to obtain samples. In one aspect, the receiver unit A 250 conditions, for example, filters, amplifies and frequency downconverts the analog uplink signal to a “conditioned” signal. The “conditioned” signal is then sampled. The receiver unit A 250 is in communication with a symbol demodulator C 260. The symbol demodulator C 260 performs data demodulation on the data symbols to obtain data symbol estimates and then provides the uplink pilot symbols and the data symbol estimates to the RX data processor A 270. The data symbol estimates are estimates of the data symbols that were transmitted. The RX data processor A 270 processes the data symbol estimates to recover the traffic data transmitted by the wireless communication device 300. The symbol demodulator C 260 is also in communication with processor A 280. Processor A 280 performs channel estimation for each active terminal transmitting on the uplink leg. In one aspect, multiple terminals may transmit pilot symbols concurrently on the uplink leg on their respective assigned sets of pilot subbands where the pilot subband sets may be interlaced.

Processor A 280 and processor B 340 direct (i.e., control, coordinate or manage, etc.) operation at the access point 200 (a.k.a. base station) and at the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. user equipment or UE), respectively. In one aspect, either or both processor A 280 and processor B 340 are associated with one or more memory units (not shown) for storing of program codes and/or data. In one aspect, either or both processor A 280 or processor B 340 or both perform computations to derive frequency and impulse response estimates for the uplink leg and downlink leg, respectively.

In one aspect, the wireless network 100 is a multiple-access system. For a multiple-access system (e.g., FDMA, OFDMA, CDMA, TDMA, etc.), multiple terminals transmit concurrently on the uplink leg. In one aspect, for the multiple-access system, the pilot subbands may be shared among different terminals. Channel estimation techniques are used in cases where the pilot subbands for each terminal span the entire operating band (possibly except for the band edges). Such a pilot subband structure is desirable to obtain frequency diversity for each terminal.

One skilled in the art would understand that the techniques described herein may be implemented by various ways. For example, the techniques may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination thereof. For example, for a hardware implementation, the processing units used for channel estimation may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described therein, or a combination thereof. With software, the implementation may be through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that performs the functions described therein. The software codes may be stored in memory units and executed by processor A 280 and processor B 340.

The various illustrative flow diagrams, logical blocks, modules, and/or circuits described herein may be implemented or performed with one or more processor units (a.k.a. processor). A processor may be a general purpose processor, such as a microprocessor, a specific application processor, such a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other hardware platform capable of supporting software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean any combination of instructions, data structures, or program code, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any other terminology. Alternatively, a processor may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a controller, a micro-controller, a state machine, a combination of discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and/or circuits described herein may also include computer readable medium for storing software. The computer readable medium may also include one or more storage devices, a transmission line, or a carrier wave that encodes a data signal.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate the timeline overlap of paging blocks and SIB broadcast blocks. When the wireless network 100 pages the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE), it sets the paging indicator (PI) corresponding to the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) on the paging indicator channel (PICH). In one aspect, one or more wireless communication devices can be assigned to the same PI. Each wireless communication device monitors only specific frames (a.k.a. paging occasions) on the PICH in order to determine the value of its PI. In one aspect, the system frame number (SFN) of the paging occasion for each wireless communication device is calculated as: SFN={(IMSI div K)mod DRX cycle length}+n*DRX cycle length+frame offset  (1)

-   -   where K is the number of S-CCPCH channels in a cell; DRX cycle         length is a configurable parameter set by the wireless network;         IMSI is the International Mobile Subscriber Identity which is a         fixed number assigned by the wireless network to each subscriber         and n=0, 1, 2, . . . as long as SFN is less than maximum (<256).         In one example, K is set to 1.

If the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) determines that its PI on the PICH is set, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) will read the paging channel (PCH) to determine if the incoming page is destined for itself. PCH is mapped onto a Common Control Channel. In one aspect, the Common Control Channel is the Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (S-CCPCH) in UMTS. In some instances, the transmission of the paging block overlaps with the broadcast of SIBs that the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) needs to read for starting random access. The paging block that is broadcasted through the Secondary Common Control Physical Channel (S-CCPCH) typically has higher priority over the decoding of SIBs (on P-CCPCH). Hence, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) will read the paging block and miss the SIBs. In particular, if the paging block overlaps with SIB7, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) will miss decoding the SIB7. When the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) is being paged, it cannot immediately initiate a connection with the wireless network to respond to the page until it has received the next occurrence of broadcasted SIB7, resulting in a waiting time between the receipt of the page and connection request initiation with the wireless network 100. The SIB7 information contains the uplink interference level which is used in the open loop power control calculation to determine the appropriate transmit power level for random access.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, item 1 is the paging type 1 message intended for IMSI #N. Item 2 is the BCH data containing the SIB7 intended for the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) with IMSI #N. The wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) has to decode SIB7 before it can respond to the page. In this example, however, since the paging block overlaps the SIB7, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) would need to wait for the next occurrence of SIB7. Thus, in this example, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) will have the worst MT call setup time.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate an exemplary P-CCPCH and S-CCPCH timeline with improved SIB7 scheduling. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show that in addition to the existing broadcasted SIB7 which comes at a constant repetition rate, the UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) schedules additional SIB7 whenever there is an empty slot on the P-CCPCH when no SIBs or MJBs are scheduled. In one aspect, the P-CCPCH will be filled with additional SIB7s to reduce the waiting time. In one aspect, the implementation of additional SIB7s does not affect the scheduling of the other SIBs and MIBs.

In another aspect, the uplink interference level is piggy-backed onto slots scheduled for other SIBs (not SIB7). When the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) is being paged, it continuously monitors the P-CCPCH to look for SIB7 once a paging type 1 message is received. As the uplink interference level is decoded, whether the uplink interference level is embedded in other SIBs, from normal scheduled SIB7 or from additional SIB7s, the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) computes the appropriate transmit power level for sending the connection request to the wireless network 100. In one aspect, for some SIBs, multiple segments may be needed before its content is fully decodable. One skilled in the art would understand that there are various known self decoding implementations that may be used without affecting the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In one aspect, the wireless network 100 checks the paging occasions of the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE) against SIB7 broadcasts for possible collisions. Here, paging information is provided to the Radio Network Controller (RNC) which processes the checking of the paging occasions. In one aspect, notifications of the additional SIB7s are sent to all the identified locations/routing area of the access point 200 (a.k.a. base station).

In one example, the paging type 1 message is intended for IMS1 #N. The wireless network 100 piggy-backs the uplink interference level (i.e., SIB7 information) onto currently scheduled SIBs. In another aspect, the wireless network 100 transmits additional SIB7 in the empty slots where no SIBs or MJBs are scheduled. In yet another aspect, the wireless network transmits additional SIB7 information in the empty slots and piggy-backs the SIB7 onto currently scheduled SIBs. Effectively, this increases the SIB7 repetition factor and reduces the waiting time.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary intercommunication between the wireless network 100 and the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE). In block 410, the wireless network 100 sends a paging type 1 message to IMSI #N. In block 420, the wireless network sends the uplink interference level earlier and/or more frequently than the scheduled SIB7. This earlier or more frequent scheduling of SIB7 is achieved by transmitting additional SIB7 in the empty slots, piggy-backing the SIB7 information onto currently scheduled SIBs, or both. In one aspect, the wireless network 100 determines the empty slot(s) on a Common Control Channel where no SIBs or MJBs are scheduled. The Common Control Channel is the P-CCPCH in one example.

In block 430, the wireless communication device 300 receives the SIB7 or other SIB blocks to decode and obtain the uplink interference level. For example, after receiving a SIB7 block in a position different than the scheduled position, the wireless communication device 300 continues to process (i.e., decode) the SIB7 or other SIB blocks. In another example, after receiving a SIB7 block even if the scheduled position is not available or not yet received, the wireless communication device 300 continues to process the SIB7 or other SIB blocks. In one aspect, the processing may include storing the content of the SIB7 block or other SIB blocks, starting an expiration timer with a predefined value and considering the content valid until the expiration timer expires. One skilled in the art would understand that the predefined value may be based on system parameters or operator choice, etc., without affecting the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

In one aspect, decoding and managing of the information from SIB7 or other SIBs is the task of the Radio Resource Controller (RRC). In one aspect, the RRC is part of the wireless communication device 300 (a.k.a. UE). The RRC reads the SIB information, collects and reassembles SIBs and decodes the information contained therein. In block 440, the wireless communication device 300 responds to the page by sending the RRC connection request message to the wireless network 100 after it has the uplink interference level. The SIB7 scheduling as disclosed herein allows for advantageous results which may include reducing MT call setup time, reducing waiting time for the next occurrence of SIB7, increasing call success rate performance, and hence, ensuring better user experience. Additionally, bandwidth efficiency is increased since previously unused bandwidth on the P-CCPCH channel is being used. In one example, the implementation of reducing call setup time is achieved through device 500 which comprises a processor 510 in communication with a memory 520 as shown in FIG. 5. In one aspect, the memory 520 is located within the processor 510. In another aspect, the memory 520 is external to the processor 510.

One skilled in the art would understand that in one aspect, the disclosure relates to Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) mode in which the uplink interference level is contained in SIB7 blocks. Additionally, one skilled in the art would understand that in Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode, uplink interference level is contained in SIB14 blocks and that the disclosure herein referencing SIB7 blocks could be substituted with SIB14 blocks without affecting the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a set 600 of exemplary steps executed by the implementation (device 500) shown in FIG. 5. Block 610 shows the step of paging a device (for example, device 500 in FIG. 5) on a Common Control Channel. In one aspect, the Common Control Channel in this step is S-CCPCH. Block 620 shows the step of piggy-backing an uplink interference level onto a SIB block. Block 630 shows the step of determining at least one empty slot on a Common Control Channel. In one aspect, the Common Control Channel in this step is P-CCPCH. Block 640 shows the step of scheduling at least one SIB7 or SIB14 block in one of the empty slots. Block 650 shows the step of decoding a SIB7 or SIB14 block to obtain an uplink interference level. Block 660 shows the step of using the uplink interference level in an open loop power control calculation to determine an appropriate transmit power level. One skilled in the art would understand that not all the steps presented in FIG. 6 need to be used or that other steps can be combined with the steps presented in FIG. 6 without affecting the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a first embodiment of a device 700 suitable for reducing call setup time. In one aspect, the device 700 is implemented by at least one processor comprising one or more modules configured to provide different aspects of reducing call setup time as described herein in blocks 710 and 720. For example, each module comprises hardware, software, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the device 700 is also implemented by at least one memory in communication with the at least one processor.

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of a device 800 suitable for reducing call setup time. In one aspect, the device 800 is implemented by at least one processor comprising one or more modules configured to provide different aspects of reducing call setup time as described herein in blocks 810 and 820. For example, each module comprises hardware, software, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the device 800 is also implemented by at least one memory in communication with the at least one processor.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of a device 900 suitable for reducing call setup time. In one aspect, the device 900 is implemented by at least one processor comprising one or more modules configured to provide different aspects of reducing call setup time as described herein in blocks 910, 920, 930, 940, 950 and 960. For example, each module comprises hardware, software, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, the device 900 is also implemented by at least one memory in communication with the at least one processor.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing call setup time of a wireless communication device comprising: transmitting, at a repeated rate, at least one uplink interference system information block; paging the wireless communication device on a first common control channel; determining at least one empty slot in a scheduled broadcast on a second common control channel where no system information blocks or master information blocks are scheduled therein following the paging; and scheduling at least one additional uplink interference system information block in the at least one empty slot of the scheduled broadcast to reduce call setup time.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first common control channel is a primary common control physical channel.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication device is part of a 3G system.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the wireless communication device is part of an universal mobile telecommunications system.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the second common control channel is a secondary common control physical channel.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the paging is sent by a wireless network.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the wireless network is a 3G system.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the 3G system is an universal mobile telecommunications system.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising decoding one of the at least one uplink interference system information block to obtain an uplink interference level.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the decoding step includes storing the content of the one uplink interference system information block, starting an expiration timer and considering the content of the one uplink interference system information block valid until the expiration timer expires.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the uplink interference level is used in an open loop power control calculation to determine an appropriate transmit power level for the wireless communication device.
 12. A method for reducing call setup time of a wireless communication device comprising: paging the wireless communication device on a first common control channel; transmitting, at a repeated rate, at least one uplink interference system information block; determining at least one empty slot on a second common control channel where no system information blocks or master information blocks are scheduled following the paging; scheduling at least one additional uplink interference system information block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time; decoding at least one uplink interference system information block to obtain an uplink interference level; and using the uplink interference level in an open loop power control calculation to determine an appropriate transmit power level for the wireless communication device.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the wireless communication device responding to the paging and sending a connection request message.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the paging step, the determining step and the scheduling step are performed by a wireless network.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the wireless network is a 3G system.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the 3G system is an universal mobile telecommunications system.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the first common control channel is a secondary common control physical channel and the second common control channel is a primary common control physical channel.
 18. The method of claim 17 where the decoding step includes storing the content of an uplink interference system information block, starting an expiration timer and considering the content of the uplink interference system information block valid until the expiration timer expires.
 19. An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory containing program code executable by the processor for performing the following: transmitting, at a repeated rate, at least one uplink interference system information block; paging a device on a first control channel; determining at least one empty slot in a scheduled broadcast on a second common control channel where no system information blocks or master information blocks are scheduled therein following the paging; and scheduling at least one additional uplink interference system information block in the at least one empty slot of the scheduled broadcast to reduce call setup time.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first common control channel is a primary common control physical channel and the second common control channel is a secondary common control physical channel.
 21. An apparatus for reducing call setup time comprising: means for transmitting, at a repeated rate, at least one uplink interference system information block; means for paging a device on a first common control channel; means for determining at least one empty slot in a scheduled broadcast on a second common control channel where no system information blocks or master information blocks are scheduled therein following the paging; and means for scheduling at least one uplink interference system information block in the at least one empty slot of the scheduled broadcast to reduce call setup time.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first common control channel is a primary common control physical channel and the second common control channel is a secondary common control physical channel.
 23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including program code stored thereon, comprising: program code for causing a computer to transmit, at a repeated rate, at least one uplink interference system information block; program code for causing the computer to page a device on a first common control channel; program code for causing a computer to determine at least one empty slot in a scheduled broadcast on a second common control channel where no system information blocks or master information blocks are scheduled therein following the paging; and program code for causing the computer to schedule at least one additional uplink interference system information block in the at least one empty slot of the scheduled broadcast to reduce call setup time.
 24. The computer-readable medium of claim 23 wherein the first common control channel is a primary common control physical channel and the second common control channel is a secondary common control physical channel.
 25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including program code stored thereon, which when executed by at least one computer implement a method, comprising: program code for causing a computer to transmit, at a repeated rate, at least one uplink interference system information block; program code for paging a device on a first common control channel; program code for determining at least one empty slot on a second common control channel where no system information blocks or master information blocks are scheduled following the paging; program code for scheduling at least one uplink interference system information block in the at least one empty slot to reduce call setup time; program code for decoding at least one uplink interference system information block to obtain an uplink interference level; and program code for using the uplink interference level in an open loop power control calculation to determine an appropriate transmit power level for the device.
 26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25 wherein the first common control channel is a secondary common control physical channel and the second common control channel is a primary common control physical channel. 